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Are currently deployed artemisinins neurotoxic?
1Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK; Travel Clinic, Cape Town, South Africa. malaria@freesurf.ch
Toxicology Letters
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Artemisinins, used to treat malaria, may cause neurotoxicity, including hearing loss and tremors. Further review of their safety profile is recommended, particularly for pediatric use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Artemisinins are frontline antimalarial drugs.
- Emerging evidence suggests potential neurotoxic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neurotoxic potential of artemisinins.
- To assess the safety profile of artemisinins, especially in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro, animal, and human clinical studies.
- Analysis of reported neurotoxic effects and potential mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Consistent pattern of brainstem injuries, including auditory centers, in animals.
- Reported human neurotoxicity includes hearing loss, ataxia, and tremor.
- Oxidative stress implicated in artemisinin-induced neurotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Artemisinin neurotoxicity may not be immediate but is irreversible once initiated.
- Current safety profiles require review, particularly for pediatric use.
- Development of non-neurotoxic artemisinins is encouraged.
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